Elastin digest compositions and methods utilizing same

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions for the therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment of Elastin comprising tissues. Therapeutic and cosmetic compositions comprising an elastin digest stimulate the endogenous production of Elastin and appear to enhance the elasticity of the skin and provide an external supply of peptide precursors of Elastin that penetrate into the tissue to which it is applied. The present invention describes compositions containing an elastin digest derived from proteolytic digestion of insoluble elastin derived from mammalian ligaments with a protein digesting composition, such as proteinase K. The elastin digest is a mixture of elastin peptides wherein the elastin peptide mixture comprises peptides of the sequence GXXPG, wherein X represents one of the natural amino acids. The elastin digest of the present invention may also comprise epitopes of cytokines, growth factors and di-peptides. Methods of using these elastin digest comprising compositions for treating tissues in need of increased elasticity and or Elastin are described.

1. A composition comprising an excipient and a peptide consisting of the sequence selected from PGGVLPG (SEQ ID NO: 47), VGVVPG (SEQ ID NO: 48), and IGLGPGGV (SEQ ID NO: 49). 
     
     
       2. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is in the form selected from the group consisting of an emulsion, lotion, spray, aerosol, powder, ointment, cream, foam, and gel. 
     
     
       3. The composition of  claim 1 , further including chemical preservatives. 
     
     
       4. The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the chemical preservative is cetylpyridinium chloride. 
     
     
       5. The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising an elastin digest derived from proteolytic digestion of Elastin derived from a mammal. 
     
     
       6. The composition of  claim 5 , wherein the elastin digest comprises a mixture of elastin peptides. 
     
     
       7. The composition of  claim 5 , wherein the composition is a treatment for the restoration of cutaneous connective tissue. 
     
     
       8. The composition of  claim 5 , wherein the composition induces cellular proliferation in the tissue to which it is applied. 
     
     
       9. A method of treating an Elastin containing tissue, the method comprising:
 administering to a site in need thereof on a mammal an effective amount of the composition of  claim 1 , for improving the appearance or elasticity of said tissue. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , further including heating said site. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 9 , wherein administration establishes an effective concentration of said composition at said site. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 9 , wherein administration is by injection or topical administration. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the composition stimulates the production of fibrillin in the tissue to which it is administered. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the composition stimulates the endogenous synthesis and deposition of Elastin in the tissue to which it is administered. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the composition stimulates cell proliferation in the tissue to which it is administered. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the composition stimulates the deposition of collagen in the tissue to which it is administered. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the composition stimulates the production of lysyl oxidase in the tissue to which it is administered. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the composition stimulates cell migration to age-depleted zones of the skin. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the composition inhibits production of chondroitin sulfate-containing glycosaminoglycans. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the composition improves the appearance of a site presenting visible lines or wrinkles. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the composition improves the appearance of a site comprising scar tissue. 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the tissue comprises mouth tissue. 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the tissue comprises follicles. 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the tissue comprises corneal tissue. 
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the composition further comprises a mixture of elastin peptides. 
     
     
       26. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the composition further comprises epitopes, cytokines, growth factors and di-peptides. 
     
     
       27. A composition comprising an elastin digest derived from proteolytic digestion of Elastin derived from a mammal and a peptide selected from the group consisting of PGGVLPG (SEQ ID NO: 47), VGVVPG (SEQ ID NO: 48), and IGLGPGGV (SEQ ID NO: 49). 
     
     
       28. The composition of  claim 27 , wherein the elastin digest comprises a mixture of elastin peptides. 
     
     
       29. The composition of  claim 27 , wherein the composition is a treatment for the restoration of cutaneous connective tissue. 
     
     
       30. The composition of clain  27 , wherein the composition induces cellular proliferation in the tissue to which it is applied. 
     
     
       31. A peptide consisting of the sequence PGGVLPG (SEQ ID NO. 47). 
     
     
       32. A peptide consisting of the sequence VGVVPG (SEQ ID NO. 48). 
     
     
       33. A peptide consisting of the sequence IGLGPGGV (SEQ ID NO. 49).